Issue 4, Spring 2010 Officers and Committees 2010€¦ · Heather Stilwell, Chi Ying Wong Quality...

12 BCCSW College Conversation Spring 2 0 1 0

2010 Officers and Committees

From time-to-time there are opportunities for Registered Social Workers to becomeinvolved in the work of the College’s committees and task forces. We welcomeapplications from registrants interested in being appointed. Please send a letter withyour current résumé by e-mail marked c/o Registrar to [email protected] or mail anapplication to our office. Many statutory committees have a set number of membersand new applicants will be considered when vacancies arise. At times the Boardappoints task forces to address specific policy issues.ChairElizabeth (Liz) Jones, RSW

Vice-ChairSusan Hogman, RSW

Finance CommitteeGary Mavis (Chair), Liz Jones, Susan Hogman

Registration CommitteeSusan Hogman (Chair), Glen Schmidt, Bruce Northey, Heather Stilwell, Susan Waldron

Registration Appeals CommitteeBruce Hallsor (Chair), Chi Ying Wong, Gary Mavis

Inquiry CommitteeKathryn McCannell (Chair), Susan Noakes, Geraldine Manson, Janice Murphy, Jim Campbell

Discipline CommitteeBruce Hallsor (Chair),Lorna Dittmar, Gary Mavis, Heather Stilwell, Chi Ying Wong

Quality Assurance CommitteeChi Ying Wong (Chair),Lorna Dittmar, Bruce Northey, Glen Schmidt, Susan Noakes

College Conversation is the twice-yearly newsletter publishedby the British Columbia College of Social Workers.

©British Columbia College of Social Workers, 2010. Otherpublications may republish parts of this newsletter without formalpermission but we ask that youacknowledge College Conversationand the British Columbia College of Social Workers when doing so.

British ColumbiaCollege of Social Workers (BCCSW)

302-1765 West 8th Ave. Vancouver, British ColumbiaCanada, V6J 5C6Tel: 604.737.4916 Fax: 604.737.6809E-mail: [email protected]

www.bccollegeofsocialworkers.ca

StaffSusan Irwin, [email protected]

Sheila Begg, RSWDirector, Registration [email protected]

Nicole AbramRegistration [email protected]

Helena Quo Vadis MexOffice [email protected]

ConsultantBonnie White, RSWPractice [email protected]

Board to December 31, 2010

ChairElizabeth (Liz) Jones, RSW


Public MembersLorna DittmarBruce HallsorGeraldine MansonHeather Stilwell

Social Work MembersGary Mavis, RSW (Treasurer)Kathryn McCannell, RCSWSusan Noakes, RSWBruce Northey, RSWGlen Schmidt, RCSWChi Ying Wong, RCSW

Writers Elizabeth (Liz) Jones, RSW;Susan Irwin, RSW; Bonnie White, RSW;Sheila Begg, RSW

Editor Mark BudgenDesign Ian Bateson,

Baseline Type & Graphics

BCCSW News Spring 2010.5:BCCSW News Spring 2010.4 4/16/10 11:16 AM 2

Issue 4, Spring 2010

The Newsletter of the British Columbia College of Social Workers

Notice of Election2010 call for nominations for election to the Board of the British Columbia College of Social Workers.

The election of members to the Board of the BC College of SocialWorkers will be held on Tuesday,

November 2, 2010.See page 3

ContentsFrom the Registrar 2Confidentiality & Standards of Practice 4Maintaining Electronic Privacy 5The College’s 2010 Board 6 – 7Questions of Professional Practice 8Provincial Legislation Affecting Social Work Registrants 10BCCSW at a Glance 11The College's 2010 Committees 12

Pursuing the VisionElizabeth (Liz) Jones, RSW,

Chair, British Columbia College of Social Workers

I am writing this, my first column as Chair of the BC College of SocialWorkers, at the beginning of Social Work Week 2010. It providesme with an opportunity to reflect how far we’ve come – and howfar we’ve yet to go.

I want to express my appreciation for the trust you have placed in me and my seven social work Board colleagues by electing us. And I want to thankthe Board itself for electing me as Chair. As you know,the Board has eight elected social workers and fourappointed public members. Werepresent a wide range of opinions and ideas. We hope this will lead tobroad, perhaps dissenting, discourseon occasion and will strengthen ourwork together. As registrants, you are welcome to attend any of ourBoard meetings and, as well, toparticipate in certain committees.

It’s taken us over 40 years to reach this point - the first Social Workers Act in BC came into force in 1969. The proclamation of the Social Workers Actthat established our College was November 2008. The subsequent year-and-a-half has been spentdeveloping and implementing bylaws and policy.

I would like to acknowledge all the work done by manypeople through the years to get us to this point in our

history. Susan Irwin and SheilaBegg, Registrar and Director,Registrations respectively,deserve special mention as staff who have worked to create and operationalize the new Act.

We are a new Board with a newExecutive composed of myself, Vice-Chair Susan Hogman andTreasurer Gary Mavis. We have a lot to learn and a lot to do. To date, we have had two meetings. The firstwas an orientation to the legislation,bylaws, and policy framework.

At the second, we reviewed the strategic directions set by the previous Board and integrated our owndirections to create a plan for the short and long terms.

Part of our vision, as we already know, is mandatoryregistration of all social workers in the province. Wewill continue to move forward on the work of creatingthis vision while regulating the profession of socialwork and ensuring the safety of the public in relation to practice.

. . . our vision ismandatory registrationof all social workers inthe province.

BCCSW News Spring 2010.5:BCCSW News Spring 2010.4 4/16/10 11:16 AM Page 1

From the RegistrarSusan Irwin, RSW

Registrar, British Columbia College of Social Workers

The need to develop a competency profile arises from the revised Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT),which now encompasses issues from the Trade,Investment, and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA)between BC and Alberta. Under AIT a social workerregistered in one province is entitled to registration in any other province based on his or her initialcredential for registration.

There are limits to such default entitlement based on other issues, such as complaints, disciplinarymatters, differing requirements for references, orcriminal record checks. Limits may also arise when asocial worker’s scope of practice differs significantlybetween one province and another.

Most importantly, the ten provinces do not have thesame academic standards for registration and this hasled to discussion and dissent among the regulators. It is critical that the social work profession acrossCanada resolves these differences; otherwise we will continue to be subject to provincial governments(who are the parties to these agreements) choosingexpedient solutions.

Regulators of all professions have relied on academiccredentials as a measure of the ability of individuals topractise their chosen profession. A key purpose ofuniversities is to impart the knowledge acquired throughstudy and research to those wanting to enter a professionand accreditation standards have been developed foracademic programs for most professions.

This practice gives the public confidence that graduationfrom a recognized program is a valid indicator of aperson’s knowledge and ability.

As a regulator, however, we have a different mandatethan that of educators – our purpose is to protect thepublic. It is well-known that there is more than one way to become knowledgeable and competent; noteveryone who graduates from an academic programhas the same competence and, in social work especially,much is gained from work experience and continuingeducation. Graduation from a university is a historical

event and is not a reliable indicator of one’s abilityyears later.

Furthermore, Canadian jurisdictions do not all agree on the academic background required to practise social work; most do require a minimum of a bachelor’sdegree but two provinces accept a two-year diploma as sufficient qualification for practising as a socialworker. In all cases, it should be apparent that, whilecompletion of a particular education program is usedas an assessment of qualification for practice, this doesnot guarantee a person’s ability to practise social worksafely, effectively and ethically.

Regulators need to have a clear picture of the practicethey are regulating: a description or profile of theminimal competencies required is essential foreffective regulation. This is particularly demanding in social work as the diversity of social work practice in different settings is great and the breadth and depthof knowledge required of individual social workersvaries immensely.

Our profession cannot be assessed by technical skillsalone but has strong underpinnings in both theory and values. Describing what we do has always been challenging.

There is some criticism of using a competency-basedapproach within social work as this is sometimesthought to be just a list of tasks that social workersperform. But the competency profile that all provinceshave agreed to develop will be more comprehensive. It will indicate not only what work is done but also howwell it is done – what level of proficiency is required.

A social worker’s competencies not only indicate theskills used in practice but the abilities necessary tobuild those skills. They contain the social worker’sunderlying knowledge required to use complex skills ofanalysis, assessment, identification of a range of inter -ven tions, clarification of purpose and goals, and evaluation.

While professionals develop proficiency throughout acareer, acquire expertise, and provide leadership, therole of regulation is to determine which individuals are

This year one challenging and significant project in which the BCCollege of Social Workers will be closely involved is thedevelopment of a national competency profile for the practice ofsocial work. This is an undertaking of the newly created CanadianCouncil of Social Work Regulation (CCSWR) of which BCCSW is

a founding member. All provincial regulatory bodies have now joined CCSWR and,working together, we have a great opportunity to address our common concerns.


BCCSW News Spring 2010.5:BCCSW News Spring 2010.4 4/16/10 11:16 AM

2010 Renewals

We have now completed our renewalprocess for 2010 but not withoutsignificant challenges. I wish toapologize to everyone for the incon -venience and frustration resultingfrom our office situation. We havehad several different temp orarystaff who were not familiar with oursystem, a fax machine that continuedto malfunction, and databaseproblems that had to be adjusted.Mistakes were made in processingsome renewals and it took longerthan usual to balance the systemand print receipts. We have greatlyappreciated your patience duringthis time.Susan Irwin RSW, Registrar

Clinical Registration

Based on recent news from someRegistered Social Workers, we under -stand that the clinical designation isproving to be a valuable credential.Some employers and agencies arecreating positions and Requests-for-Qualifications advertising that requireor prefer the Registered ClinicalSocial Worker qualification.

The 2010 sitting of the clinical examin Vancouver is tentatively set forThursday, November 4, 2010. Theexam will go ahead if there are atleast ten candidates registered with the Association of Social Work Boards by October 1, 2010.Interested RSWs should submittheir application for clinicalregistration and all supportingdocuments as soon as possible.

Once again, we hope we can arrangethe exam before the BCCSW AnnualGeneral Meeting so it will be over in time for candidates to attend theAGM and symposium. The BCASWFall Conference starts the followingday so mark your calendars now toattend these College and Associationspecial events – November 4, 5 and 6.

Congratulations!

The following new Clinical Social Workers passed the ASWBClinical Exam on November 6, 2009 in Vancouver.

• Chapman, Tamara K.

• Cossom, Adrienne

• DeLeenheer, Irene

• Eleniak, Duanita G.

• Hamilton, Wendy M.

• Kelly, Laurie

• Nightbird, Marie

• Taylor, Gregory

• Van Volkingburgh, Marie

Changed Your Address? Don’t Forget To Let Us Know!

As a British Columbia College ofSocial Workers registrant, you arerequired to advise the College ofany change of practice or residentialaddress and other contactinformation. Please ensure that theCollege has your current contactinformation for the followingreasons:

•Under the Social Workers Act,the College must maintain anonline registry that makesinformation on the status ofyour registration available tothe public. If you permit, thisincludes your business nameand address.

•Notwithstanding the onlineregistry, you must let the Collegeknow your current place of socialwork practice so we can contactyou if needed. If you have severalemployment locations, includingself-employment, you mustprovide all of them to the College.

There are several easy options forupdating your registrant file. Simplyprovide the information in writingvia mail, fax or e-mail to the Collegeat [email protected] or by telephone at 604.737.4916.

CHARD Update

Verification letters have now beensent to everyone who submittedinformation about their practice toinclude in the Community Health andResource Directory. This provides anopportunity for you to confirm thatthe information is correct.

Later in the year, there will be moreinformation about how individualsocial workers may access their dataon the CHARD database so they canupdate information regarding theirworksites or practice offices andareas of practice.

The CHARD project will be expandedto some other regions this springand is expected to be provincewideby the summer. This will allowphysicians to access informationabout Registered Social Workers andother mental health profession als intheir regions in order to increaseaccess to services for their patients.

Upcoming 2010 BCCSW Meetings

Board The next Board meetings willbe held on Saturday, June 12 andSaturday, September 11.

AGM The 2010 Annual GeneralMeeting of the British ColumbiaCollege of Social Workers will be held on Thursday, November 4, 2010.

Registrants by Region

Fraser Valley 166 Interior 351 Lower Mainland/South Coast 1077 North 142 Out of Country 33 Out of Province 38 Vancouver Island/Gulf Islands 381

Total All Regions 2188

BCCSW College Conversation Spring 2 0 1 0 11

BCCSW at a glanceBCCSW at a glance



Provincial Legislation Affecting Social Work Registrants in British ColumbiaThe following list is provided as an aid to facilitating registrants’ knowledge of legislation relevant to the professional practice ofsocial work. This is not an exhaustive list. Legislation is constantly added, removed and amended. The website, www.bclaws.ca,will provide you with access to all the current laws in British Columbia.

Provincial LegislationName Purpose

Adoption Act, RSBC 1996, c.5 The purpose of this Act is to provide for new and permanent family ties throughadoption, giving paramount consideration in every respect to the child’s best interests.

Adult Guardianship Act, RSBC 1996, c.6 Creates provisions to deal with abuse and neglect of adults and appointment ofsubstitute decision makers for incapable adults.

Age of Majority Act, RSBC 1996, c.7 Establishes the age of majority as 19 in the province.Child, Family and Community Creates a duty to promptly report where a person has reason to believe a childService Act, RSBC 1996, c.46 needs protection and lists relevant factors included in “best interests of a child”.Community Care and Assisted The Act defines the meaning of assisted living residence and outlines the Living Act, SBC 2002, c.75 licensing conditions.Community Living Authority Act, This Act establishes a board authority regulation to provide for the delivery of SBC2004, c.60 community support identified by the Minister.Employment and Assistance for To outline the conditions of eligibility for disability or hardship assistancePersons with Disabilities Act, SBC 2002, c.41 under the Act.Family Relations Act, RSBC 1996, c. 128 Covers child custody, guardianship, access, spousal and child support and division

of property.Freedom of Information and Protection Creates specific information and privacy rights regarding information collected orof Privacy Act, RSBC 1996, c.165 controlled by public bodies, such as school boards, municipalities, hospitals or

social service agencies.Health Care (Consent) and Care Facility Codifies requirement that consent be obtained from or on behalf of patient for(Admission)Act, RSBC 1996, c.181 medical treatment or admission to care facility; sets out hierarchy of consent.Health Professions Act, RSBC 1996, c.183 Umbrella legislation regulating health professions in BC.Infants Act, RSBC 1996, c.223 Concerns the protection of infants’ legal and financial interests. (Note: the legal

definition of an “infant” is a person under the age of 19). Provides requirements forobtaining consent for health care from minors (infants).

Mental Health Act, RSBC 1996, c.288 Provides guidelines for how people with mental health illnesses are treated.Patients Property Act, RSBC 1996, c.349 Provides for the declaration that a person is incapable and the appointment of a

committee to handle their financial, legal, personal, and medical affairs.Personal Information Protection Act, Legislates how private organizations in BC collect, use and disclose personal information.RSBC 2003, c.63Public Guardian & Trustee Act, The Act outlines the duties, powers and functions of the Public Guardian.RSBC1996, c.383Representation Agreement Act, Allows a person to appoint someone as their legal representative to handle RSBC1996, c.405 financial, legal, personal care and health care decisions if unable to make them

on their own.Representative for Children and Youth Act, Creates Representative for Children and Youth to perform a number of servicesSBC 2006, c. 29 including providing support to, assisting, informing and advising children and

their families respecting certain designated services (including mental healthservices), and providing information and advice to children and their familiesabout how to effectively access and how to become effective self-advocates withrespect to those services.

Social Workers Act, SBC 2008, c.31 The Act directs the BC College of Social Workers to serve and protect the public,superintend the practice of social work and to establish qualifications of registrants.

Workers Compensation Act, RSBC 1996, c.492 Provides for the creation of the Workers Compensation Board to compensateinjured workers and promote workplace safety.

Youth Justice Act, SBC 2003, c.85 Deals with proceedings and sentences available for youth (at least age 12) whocommit provincial statute offences, and services available to these youths.


sufficiently prepared to enter the profession andpractise safely. The focus of the CCSWR competencyproject will be to identify these minimum entry-to-practice competencies.

In addition to being able to describe what beginningsocial workers need to know and do, it is expected thatthe CCSWR project will assist in understanding whyjurisdictions have adopted different entry requirements.Is the term “social work” being used to describedifferent activities and scopes of practice in provinces?Or do very different educational programs actuallyachieve the same results? How are these practicecompetencies linked with educational competencies(learning outcomes)?

Once we have clearly articulated whatsocial workers must be able to do forentry-level practice (competencyprofile), the next step will be to identifyobjective and impartial measures toassess whether an individual actuallyhas these abilities. When usingacademic credentials as a measure forregistration (our only current standard indicator ofcompetence), regulators will be looking for evidence that links graduation from specific programs to thiscompetency profile. The issue of whether a nationalexam could be another impartial measure of the samecompetencies will also arise.

How is the CCSWR going to undertake such a majorproject? The good news is that we have alreadycompleted the first phase. Representatives of all tensocial work regulatory bodies met in Calgary last June

and developed a plan with the able assistance of afacilitator, Dr. David Cane.

Funded by Human Resources and Skills DevelopmentCanada (HRSDC), we spent two days exploring theconcepts of competencies, competence, learningoutcomes, performance indicators, and the relationshipbetween education and regulation. We agreed on a planthat all provinces will participate in the development of acompetency profile and its validation by a survey of allregistered social workers across Canada. Regulators needstandards that are fair and defensible so it is necessary toclearly articulate what we do.

The CCSWR has applied for more funding from HRSDCto conduct this project and complete the validation

survey. This is a major undertaking thatwill cost several hundred thousanddollars. The proposal is in the finalstages and we are optimistic that it will be approved. A committee of theCCSWR will oversee the project and hire a contractor.

The process will involve educationaland practice stakeholders as well as regulators andinclude a countrywide, computer-based survey of socialworkers. The CCSWR plans to conduct this survey laterthis year. A high level of participation is important so wecan gather comprehensive descriptions of socialworkers’ practices across Canada. Please respond whenthe survey is distributed. The resulting description ofsocial work practice in Canada today will be a keyelement in ensuring standards and procedures that aretransparent, objective, impartial and fair.

…in social work muchis gained from workexperience andcontinuing education.


There will be four Board positions elected for a two-yearterm commencing January 1, 2011 and endingDecember 31, 2012.

NominationsA nomination form and consent by the nomineemust be received in the office by Friday, September 3,2010 at 4 p.m. Nominees must be in good standing withthe College. Any registrant may nominate a maximum oftwo registrants. Nomination forms will be posted on theCollege website in June. Submit forms and letters to TheRegistrar, British Columbia College of Social Workers,#302 – 1765 West 8th Ave., Vancouver, BC V6J 5C6.

Election Ballots and information about all candidateswill be mailed to all Registered Social Workers at theend of September. The College will post details ofcandidates and the election process on its website,www.bccollegeofsocialworkers.ca, at the same time.Ballots must be received in the College office byMonday, October 18, 2010.

2010 BCCSW Board Election Timeline

JuneNomination forms posted on College website, at www.bccollegeofsocialworkers.ca

Friday, September 3All nomination forms and nominee consents to College office before 4.00 p.m.

End of SeptemberBallots mailed to all BCCSW registrants

Monday, October 18Ballots to college office on or before this date

Tuesday, November 2Counting of election ballots

Thursday, November 4Election results announced at Annual General Meeting

Notice of Election



The social work relationship is characterized by trust, an overridingelement of which is confidentiality. However, the duty ofconfidentiality to clients (and others) is often more complex thanit first appears and the possibility that it may be breached affectsthe helping relationship. Not surprisingly, practice issues anddilemmas that arise around confidentiality can cause considerablestress for social workers.

Standards of Practice – The Dutyof Confidentiality

Bonnie White, RSW, Practice Consultant

The principles and interpretations in the Standards ofPractice (updated November 2009) provide the basis on which social workers conduct sound and ethicalpractices, including confidentiality. However, many of the situations that social workers face in this regardare complicated, perplexing, and not easily resolved.Consequently, registrants trying to work through suchdifficulties often contact the College to discuss thesedifficult issues. Two recent cases, presented here, involvedsituations around confidentiality that were not at allstraightforward for the social workers involved.

Reporting a Question of Exploitation

A social worker was providing grief counselling to awoman whose husband had recently died of a cancerthat had caused some brain damage before his death.The couple lived in a retirement home where they couldreceive additional help and which provided meals. Afterhis death, the wife found evidence that her husband hadgiven one of the retirement home employees moneyand jewellery worth approximately $30,000. The socialworker felt this situation should be reported to theemployer and the police but the wife firmly opposedpursuing this course of action.

Section 5.5 in the Standards of Practice applies to thissituation, even though it does not provide a clear-cutcourse of action.

Social workers do not disclose the identity of and/or information about a person who has consulted or retained them unless:

a) Disclosure is required by law or by a court, or

b) The social worker has reasonable grounds tobelieve that the disclosure is necessary toprevent serious bodily harm to an identifiableperson or group of persons, and in suchcircumstances the social worker shall discloseonly such information as is necessary toprevent the prospective harm.

In coming to a decision regarding appropriate actionsocial workers may find it helpful to ask themselvesquestions such as:

• Who is the client?

• What is my primary obligation?

•What applicable legislation allows or prohibits reporting?

• To whom do I have an obligation regarding the services I am providing?

When reflecting upon 5.5(a) – “[unless] disclosure isrequired by law or by a court” – a social worker needs to determine what laws may apply to the situation andwhat conditions would allow or prohibit disclosure.Accordingly, a social worker to whom a court has issueda subpoena has to reveal confidential information whenasked. In the situation described above, it is importantto look at related pieces of legislation such as the AdultGuardianship Act which may provide guidance anddirection in coming to a decision.

In addition, Sections 5.7 and 5.8 of the Standards ofPractice touch on the situation but also don’t directlyresolve the problem that the social worker faced.

5.7 Social workers make reasonable efforts to ensure that the information disclosed ispertinent and relevant to the professionalservice for which clients have been contracted.

5.8 Social workers inform clients early in theirrelationship of the limits of confidentiality.

What these Sections indicate is the importance of makingclients aware of limits to confidentiality. It is a good ideato have a handout on confidentiality that outlines clients’rights and the conditions under which the social workercould be required to disclose information. Registrantsshould also make a note on clients’ files that they havediscussed confidentiality issues.

Outcome In the case above, reviewing her options andseeking guidance from legislation and the Standards ofPractice, the social worker came to the conclusion thatshe was obliged to maintain the confidentiality of herprimary client, the wife. In this case there was no dutyor authority to report.



•When leaving your computer,make sure that others cannotview the client files that youkeep on it.

• Have a password that usesnumbers and letters to accessyour computer and don’t revealthe password to anyone elseunless your employer requiresit as a matter of policy. Anyonewith the password may accessyour files and you are then nolonger able to vouch for theiraccuracy or confidentiality.

• Don’t transfer files aboutclients to your personalcomputer.

•When using a laptop andworking offsite, be particularlyvigilant about confidentialinformation. Personallyidentifiable informationcontained in a laptop or cellphone can disappear just aseasily as the devise itself.

When sending confidential documentsas attachments by e-mail, it isimpor tant to assume that they couldbe read by anyone in transit. Treat e-mail

communication as you would aconversation – if you don’t want tobe overheard, go somewhere private.With e-mail and other electroniccommunications that means using a password (and even encryption ifit’s available), which is the electronicequivalent of a locked door.

• Each document sent as an e-mail attachment should bepassword-protected (if usingMicrosoft Word, go to Toolsand use Secure Options).

• If you contact clients via e-mail, delete the files assoon as possible from yourcomputer or place them in asecure area of your computer.But remember that e-mails area part of the record and youmay be required to keep them.

• It’s all too easy to compromiseconfidentiality when clientinformation is sent by fax.Information must be immediatelyretrieved by the receivingindividual and not left whereit can be seen by others.

Recognize that employers havethe right to monitor your computerusage at work and to access alldocuments and e-mails in yourcomputer. Employers also haveback-up systems that copy all theinformation on your computer.Knowing that, social workers who are employees should adopt a precautionary attitude; inparticular, they should avoidsending highly personal e-mails.

If you participate in a social net -working site such as Facebook,remember that your employer canview the information you post. Inaddition, anyone with access toyour site can print out all yourcorrespondence and messages.

Finally, all social workers need tobecome more privacy conscious. Be aware of both the federal andprovincial privacy laws as well as employers’ policies. Take allnecessary steps to protect personalinformation – whether it’s your owninformation, your employer’s, or,most importantly, your client’s.

How to Maintain Electronic Privacy (Continued from page 5.)

Helpful Information on Privacy

On occasion the College likes to provideinformation that may be helpful toregistrants as a source of information orreference guide.

The Office of the Information and PrivacyCommissioner is one such source andhas a very helpful website. The websiteaddress is www.oipcbc.org. The sectiontitled “Resources and Publications”provides the public with a wide range ofpublished papers and resources on thetopics of “Personal Privacy” and “Freedomof Information”. This site contains resources for both public bodies and organizations.It also provides many useful tips for developing a privacy policy, protection of privacy,and conducting a privacy audit.



Questions of Professional PracticeBonnie White, RSW, Practice Consultant

1 Reporting previous abuse suffered by a client

A social worker had learned from an adultclient that the client had been sexuallyabused by a relative years ago. The clienthas never reported this abuse and does notwish to do so. The social worker wonderedif it was his duty to report the abuse, eventhough it was against the client’s wishes.He was concerned that the perpetratorwould victimize others.

Outcome In situations like this, it should become easierto make a decision if social workers clarify whom theyare serving and where their primary obligations lie. TheStandards of Practice can assist and, in this particularinstance, Section 5.5 applies:

(a) Social workers do not disclose the identity ofand/or information about a person who hasconsulted or retained them unless:

(b) The social worker has reasonable grounds to believe that the disclosure is necessary to prevent serious bodily harm to anidentifiable person or group of persons, and in such circumstances the social workershall disclose only such information as isnecessary to prevent the prospective harm.

A Supreme Court of Canada case that addressedconditions allowing disclosure of confidentialinformation without consent stated that the risk of harm must be imminent.

In cases like this, social workers need to ask thefollowing questions:

• Does the concern about preventing possibleharm to a non-identifiable person overridethe client’s request for confidentiality?

•Without definite knowledge that a child is at risk, can confidentiality be broken?

In this specific case, Section 5.5(b) of the Standards of Practice would indicate that confidentiality must be maintained in this situation.

2 Forwarding client files to a funding agency

A social worker is employed by an agencythat contracts with the Ministry of Childand Family Development to providecounselling services to youth. The Ministryis asking for client information to be sent tothem. The social worker called the Collegeto seek advice on the need to report to thefunding body.

Outcome When working for a contracting agency it is important to understand clearly who owns the filesand what reporting requirements the funding agencyrequires. Sometimes the agency providing service has a contractual obligation to provide client information to the funder. To give just two examples: this may occur when services are provided to mandated clientsunder British Columbia’s Child, Family and CommunityServices Act or employment services are funded byHuman Resources Development Canada.

Both clients and social workers should know from the outset when there is an obligation to report certain information to the funding agency. What is to be reported should be clearly outlined in the agency’s confidentiality policy and discussed withclients at the beginning of service. Clients shouldalways be aware of what information is shared between agencies operating under a contract.



How to Maintain Electronic PrivacyBonnie White, RSW, Practice Consultant

Social workers have every reason to both applaud and fear the use of moderntechnology in the workplace. Computers, fax machines, cell phones and BlackBerryssimplify the work day. However, in an ever-growing, technologically-based society,protecting privacy, particularly clients’, is often challenging and sometimes problematic.

A conflict between professionalobligation and an employer’s directive

Protecting clients’ records is an essential part ofconfidentiality but social workers can sometimes face conflicting requirements regarding recordsecurity. This is the situation in which a social workeremployed by a health agency found herself. She was asked to provide the password for her records to the records secretary for her unit. The social worker was concerned that this request could violateconfidentiality for her clients. The social worker wasalso worried that someone else could access client filesusing her password. She felt that by revealing herpassword she was compromising client confidentiality.

Principle IV in the Standards, “The Social WorkRecord”, relates directly to this issue:

4.14 Social workers take necessary steps toprotect the confidentiality and security ofpaper records, faxes and electronic records.

4.13 Social workers employed by an organizationacquire and maintain an understanding of theorganization’s policies and governmentlegislation regarding access to confidentialclient information.

4.26 Social workers inform clients, upon request,of their policies regarding access to information.

Paragraph 2.15 in Principle II, “Competency and Integrity”,would also help this social worker to take appropriateaction since it states clearly: “If there is a conflict betweenBCCSW Standards of Practice and a social worker’swork environment, the social worker’s obligation is tothe Code of Ethics and the Standards of Practice.”

Outcome This situation opened a dialogue betweenpractitioners and management to find a solution thatmet both the needs of records management andprotection of client confidentiality.

The Standards of Practice cannot provide answers toevery ethically problematic situation that socialworkers encounter but they do offer guidance anddirection. Registrants can also check if there is anyapplicable legislation dictating the course of actionthey need to follow. Employees should review theirorganization’s policies to examine how they relate tothe situation. Ultimately, registrants need to apply theirprofessional judgment, in conjunction with theStandards of Practice, when they face thorny questionsinvolving confidentiality.

The College is always available to receive calls fromRegistered Social Workers with questions aboutpractice issues.

(Continues on page 9.)

Below are some common-senseguidelines about protecting privacyand confidentiality in the socialwork environment.Always remember thatinformation aboutclients has to be keptconfidential, keeping in mind that there aremany more ways forconfidentiality to bebreached than therewere ten years ago.

Taking a cautious attitude used tomean making sure that a briefcase

with confidential documents wasn’tleft in open view in a vehicle parkedon the street. Social workers locked

their filing cabinets asa matter of course andnever left a client’spaper file on top oftheir desks.

Those are still smart,even obligatory,practices to observebut now most recordsare kept on computers

and other electronic devices in avariety of different programs and

formats. As well as workplacecomputers, social workers may usesmartphones to record appointmentsand sometimes other details aboutclients such as phone numbers,addresses and even notes. Employersoften provide social workers withlaptop computers that are convenientbut also easy to lose. To protectclient information on a computer,follow these procedures:

• Keep client files in a secure,password-protected area ofyour computer and not onthe desktop where anyonecan view them.

. . . there aremany more waysfor confidentialityto be breachedthan there wereten years go.



2010 BCCSW Board2010 BCCSW Board

ChairElizabeth (Liz) Jones, RSW,(serves until Dec 31, 2011) Vancouver

For the last 20 years Liz Jones has had a consulting business providing education, training,research, and organizational development services to social service and educational institutions around the province.

Currently a full-time faculty member at the UBC Schoolof Social Work, she chairs the BSW Curriculum andField Education Committee.

Ms. Jones previously served as the President of the BC Association of Social Workers in the 1990s, when shewas involved in a number of initiatives to establish theBCCSW. She has a strong belief in, and commitment to, themandatory registration of all social workers in the province.

Vice-ChairSusan Hogman, RSW,(serves until Dec 31, 2011) Vancouver

Susan Hogman has spent most of hercareer to date in health care working in all areas ofacute care hospitals. From 2006 to the present, she hasbeen the Director of Social Work at the BC Centre forAbility, a non-profit community agency working withdisabled children and adults.

She is the President of the Social Workers in HealthSociety of BC and a member of the BC Association of Social Workers.

Ms. Hogman views registration as a commitment by social workers to the public. She works with hercolleagues to ensure that the social work profession is ethical, accountable, and responsive.

Public memberLorna Dittmar,(serves until Jan 1, 2011) Prince George/Valemount

Before she retired, Lorna Dittmar was the ExecutiveDirector of Employment Action, an employment agencyfor injured and disabled workers, and of the PrinceGeorge Association for Community Living.

She is the Chair of the ‘10 by 10 Challenge’, a provincialinitiative to see 10% more people with disabilities hiredby 2010. In addition, she is on the Prince George Councilof Seniors and a member of other boards including thePatient Care Quality Review Board – Northern Health.

Ms. Dittmar has been awarded the Top Service Awardfrom the Prince George Brain Injured Group, theWoman of Distinction Award, and the Canada 125Medal for service to her community

Public memberR. Bruce Hallsor, (serves until Jan 1, 2012) Victoria

Bruce Hallsor is a partner at Crease HarmanLLP, British Columbia’s oldest law firm. A past presidentof the Victoria Bar Association, he was named amongthe “Top 40 under 40” for Vancouver Island in 2007 andwon the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal for communityservice in 2003.

Mr. Hallsor’s community activities include serving ashonorary solicitor to Scouts Canada in BC/Yukon, asPresident of Fair Voting BC, and as Chairman of theMonarchist League of Canada (Victoria Branch).

He has been appointed to the Victoria Board of Variance, the Saanich Arts Advisory Committee, the Saanich AdvisoryDesign Panel and the Provincial Child Care Council.

Public memberGeraldine Manson,(serves until Jan 1, 2012) Parksville/Qualicum

Geraldine Manson is a member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. She has worked for her community for over 15 years, most recently as the Elders’ Coordinator.She has been an elected council member for 9 years with her present term ending in 2012.

Ms. Manson shares traditional knowledge regardingprotocols and the importance of knowing the culture for Snuneymuxw First Nation to surrounding localgovernments and non-profit organizations. In addition,she oversees archaeological projects withinSnuneymuxw traditional territory.

Ms. Manson serves as a Young Elder-in-Residence withVancouver Island University. She also sits as a Boardmember with Gabriola Island Museum and theNanaimo District Museum.

TreasurerGary Mavis, RSW,(serves until Dec 31, 2010) Vancouver

A Registered Social Worker since 1973, GaryMavis has always been interested in how the social workprofession has developed and been regulated. He hasserved on the Provincial Board of the BC Association ofSocial Workers.

He strongly supported the legislation that enacted the Collegeand looks forward to the many and varied tasks ahead.

Mr. Mavis is currently the Executive Director of theFederation of Aboriginal Foster Parents, a position thatkeeps him in contact with many social workers through -out BC and exposes him to the variety of complexitiesthey and their clients face.



Kathryn McCannell, RCSW,(serves until Dec 31, 2010) Victoria

Kathryn McCannell is entering her fourthdecade in the social work profession. She

taught for 20 years in the Schools of Social Work at theUniversity of Manitoba and the University of BritishColumbia. Her research, writing and practice have beenin the areas of social networks, mental health, child andfamily services, and women’s issues.

For the last decade she has maintained a clinical practicein Victoria. She is on the board of the Greater VictoriaWomen’s Shelter Society and has been a volunteereducator at the Island Sexual Health Society for 10 years.

She is working to clarify standards of practice for thecomplex situations that social workers face every day.

Susan Noakes, RSW,(serves until Dec 31, 2011) Victoria

Susan Noakes is currently the staff socialworker at The Law Centre in Victoria. As

well as providing social work services to persons withlow-incomes, she supervises social work students andeducates law students about working in aninterdisciplinary setting.

In the past, she has worked and volunteered ingovernment and non-profit sectors including childprotection (BC Central Interior), legal advocacy(Together Against Poverty Society), and children’sguardianship (Community Living BC).

Ms. Noakes also served for 14 years as an active boardmember of TAPS and is presently Vice-Chair of theVictoria Family Violence Prevention Society. She believesstrongly in advocating for the social work profession.

Bruce Northey, RSW,(serves until Dec 31, 2010) Prince George

Bruce Northey is the Coordinator of theSocial Service Worker Diploma program

at the College of New Caledonia in Prince George where he has taught since 1988. He also maintains a part-time practice at Youth Forensic Psychiatric Services in Prince George.

Most of Mr. Northey’s social work experience has been in the area of youth and family practice. He wasPresident of the Northern Branch of the BC Associationof Social Workers from 1989 to 1991 during which timehe advocated for a School of Social Work at UNBC.

He is currently on the steering committee of theAssociation of College Educators in Social Work andSocial Service Diploma Programs in Canada (ACESS).

Glen Schmidt, PhD, RCSW,(serves until Dec 31, 2011) Prince George

In 1994 Glen Schmidt began work as a facultymember at the University of Northern British

Columbia’s School of Social Work in Prince George. He alsomaintains a small private practice.

Dr. Schmidt is a member of the Provincial Board of theBC Association of Social Workers, the Provincial Boardof Parent Support Services, the Provincial Board of theCanadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), the Boardof the CMHA branch in Prince George, and the ProvincialChild and Youth Mental Health Advisory Committee.

He wants to create stronger linkages between the BCAssociation of Social Work, the schools of social work atprovincial universities and colleges, the BC College ofSocial Workers, and practising social workers.

Public memberHeather Stilwell,(serves until Jan 1, 2011) Surrey

Heather Stilwell is a former Trustee withthe Surrey Board of Education on which she served forfifteen years, three of those as Chair. She also served onmany district committees including the Anti-VandalismTask Force, Surrey Association for Early ChildhoodEducation, the Aboriginal Advisory Committee, and theTraditional School Advisory Committee.

A prolific speaker, Ms. Stilwell has addressed all kindsof audiences on a range of issues including taking careof the poor and respecting different cultures. Active inthe community, she has served on many communityorganizations including Hope Adoption Services andthe Surrey Association for the Mentally Handicapped.

Chi Ying Wong, RCSW,(serves until Dec 31, 2010) Vancouver

Chi Ying Wong has been a RegisteredClinical Social Worker since 2006. Her

experience includes working with a multiculturalpopulation for their integration, separated/divorcedadults, mental health, and vulnerable adults. She is aclinical educator and also has a private practice.

She is currently Chair of the Board’s Quality AssuranceCommittee and a member of the Registration Appealsand Discipline Committees. Her participation in theirproceedings enables her to appreciate the significantresponsibilities of the College in fulfilling its mandate.

Ms. Wong has volunteered with the Association ofSocial Work Boards’ Practice Analysis Task Force andhas worked with and learned from Registered SocialWorkers in Canada and USA.

For more information on the BCCSW Board, its members and committees, please visit the College’s websiteat www.bccollegeofsocialworkers.ca



Questions of Professional PracticeBonnie White, RSW, Practice Consultant

1 Reporting previous abuse suffered by a client

A social worker had learned from an adultclient that the client had been sexuallyabused by a relative years ago. The clienthas never reported this abuse and does notwish to do so. The social worker wonderedif it was his duty to report the abuse, eventhough it was against the client’s wishes.He was concerned that the perpetratorwould victimize others.

Outcome In situations like this, it should become easierto make a decision if social workers clarify whom theyare serving and where their primary obligations lie. TheStandards of Practice can assist and, in this particularinstance, Section 5.5 applies:

(a) Social workers do not disclose the identity ofand/or information about a person who hasconsulted or retained them unless:

(b) The social worker has reasonable grounds to believe that the disclosure is necessary to prevent serious bodily harm to anidentifiable person or group of persons, and in such circumstances the social workershall disclose only such information as isnecessary to prevent the prospective harm.

A Supreme Court of Canada case that addressedconditions allowing disclosure of confidentialinformation without consent stated that the risk of harm must be imminent.

In cases like this, social workers need to ask thefollowing questions:

• Does the concern about preventing possibleharm to a non-identifiable person overridethe client’s request for confidentiality?

•Without definite knowledge that a child is at risk, can confidentiality be broken?

In this specific case, Section 5.5(b) of the Standards of Practice would indicate that confidentiality must be maintained in this situation.

2 Forwarding client files to a funding agency

A social worker is employed by an agencythat contracts with the Ministry of Childand Family Development to providecounselling services to youth. The Ministryis asking for client information to be sent tothem. The social worker called the Collegeto seek advice on the need to report to thefunding body.

Outcome When working for a contracting agency it is important to understand clearly who owns the filesand what reporting requirements the funding agencyrequires. Sometimes the agency providing service has a contractual obligation to provide client information to the funder. To give just two examples: this may occur when services are provided to mandated clientsunder British Columbia’s Child, Family and CommunityServices Act or employment services are funded byHuman Resources Development Canada.

Both clients and social workers should know from the outset when there is an obligation to report certain information to the funding agency. What is to be reported should be clearly outlined in the agency’s confidentiality policy and discussed withclients at the beginning of service. Clients shouldalways be aware of what information is shared between agencies operating under a contract.



How to Maintain Electronic PrivacyBonnie White, RSW, Practice Consultant

Social workers have every reason to both applaud and fear the use of moderntechnology in the workplace. Computers, fax machines, cell phones and BlackBerryssimplify the work day. However, in an ever-growing, technologically-based society,protecting privacy, particularly clients’, is often challenging and sometimes problematic.

A conflict between professionalobligation and an employer’s directive

Protecting clients’ records is an essential part ofconfidentiality but social workers can sometimes face conflicting requirements regarding recordsecurity. This is the situation in which a social workeremployed by a health agency found herself. She was asked to provide the password for her records to the records secretary for her unit. The social worker was concerned that this request could violateconfidentiality for her clients. The social worker wasalso worried that someone else could access client filesusing her password. She felt that by revealing herpassword she was compromising client confidentiality.

Principle IV in the Standards, “The Social WorkRecord”, relates directly to this issue:

4.14 Social workers take necessary steps toprotect the confidentiality and security ofpaper records, faxes and electronic records.

4.13 Social workers employed by an organizationacquire and maintain an understanding of theorganization’s policies and governmentlegislation regarding access to confidentialclient information.

4.26 Social workers inform clients, upon request,of their policies regarding access to information.

Paragraph 2.15 in Principle II, “Competency and Integrity”,would also help this social worker to take appropriateaction since it states clearly: “If there is a conflict betweenBCCSW Standards of Practice and a social worker’swork environment, the social worker’s obligation is tothe Code of Ethics and the Standards of Practice.”

Outcome This situation opened a dialogue betweenpractitioners and management to find a solution thatmet both the needs of records management andprotection of client confidentiality.

The Standards of Practice cannot provide answers toevery ethically problematic situation that socialworkers encounter but they do offer guidance anddirection. Registrants can also check if there is anyapplicable legislation dictating the course of actionthey need to follow. Employees should review theirorganization’s policies to examine how they relate tothe situation. Ultimately, registrants need to apply theirprofessional judgment, in conjunction with theStandards of Practice, when they face thorny questionsinvolving confidentiality.

The College is always available to receive calls fromRegistered Social Workers with questions aboutpractice issues.

(Continues on page 9.)

Below are some common-senseguidelines about protecting privacyand confidentiality in the socialwork environment.Always remember thatinformation aboutclients has to be keptconfidential, keeping in mind that there aremany more ways forconfidentiality to bebreached than therewere ten years ago.

Taking a cautious attitude used tomean making sure that a briefcase

with confidential documents wasn’tleft in open view in a vehicle parkedon the street. Social workers locked

their filing cabinets asa matter of course andnever left a client’spaper file on top oftheir desks.

Those are still smart,even obligatory,practices to observebut now most recordsare kept on computers

and other electronic devices in avariety of different programs and

formats. As well as workplacecomputers, social workers may usesmartphones to record appointmentsand sometimes other details aboutclients such as phone numbers,addresses and even notes. Employersoften provide social workers withlaptop computers that are convenientbut also easy to lose. To protectclient information on a computer,follow these procedures:

• Keep client files in a secure,password-protected area ofyour computer and not onthe desktop where anyonecan view them.

. . . there aremany more waysfor confidentialityto be breachedthan there wereten years go.



The social work relationship is characterized by trust, an overridingelement of which is confidentiality. However, the duty ofconfidentiality to clients (and others) is often more complex thanit first appears and the possibility that it may be breached affectsthe helping relationship. Not surprisingly, practice issues anddilemmas that arise around confidentiality can cause considerablestress for social workers.

Standards of Practice – The Dutyof Confidentiality

Bonnie White, RSW, Practice Consultant

The principles and interpretations in the Standards ofPractice (updated November 2009) provide the basis on which social workers conduct sound and ethicalpractices, including confidentiality. However, many of the situations that social workers face in this regardare complicated, perplexing, and not easily resolved.Consequently, registrants trying to work through suchdifficulties often contact the College to discuss thesedifficult issues. Two recent cases, presented here, involvedsituations around confidentiality that were not at allstraightforward for the social workers involved.

Reporting a Question of Exploitation

A social worker was providing grief counselling to awoman whose husband had recently died of a cancerthat had caused some brain damage before his death.The couple lived in a retirement home where they couldreceive additional help and which provided meals. Afterhis death, the wife found evidence that her husband hadgiven one of the retirement home employees moneyand jewellery worth approximately $30,000. The socialworker felt this situation should be reported to theemployer and the police but the wife firmly opposedpursuing this course of action.

Section 5.5 in the Standards of Practice applies to thissituation, even though it does not provide a clear-cutcourse of action.

Social workers do not disclose the identity of and/or information about a person who has consulted or retained them unless:

a) Disclosure is required by law or by a court, or

b) The social worker has reasonable grounds tobelieve that the disclosure is necessary toprevent serious bodily harm to an identifiableperson or group of persons, and in suchcircumstances the social worker shall discloseonly such information as is necessary toprevent the prospective harm.

In coming to a decision regarding appropriate actionsocial workers may find it helpful to ask themselvesquestions such as:

• Who is the client?

• What is my primary obligation?

•What applicable legislation allows or prohibits reporting?

• To whom do I have an obligation regarding the services I am providing?

When reflecting upon 5.5(a) – “[unless] disclosure isrequired by law or by a court” – a social worker needs to determine what laws may apply to the situation andwhat conditions would allow or prohibit disclosure.Accordingly, a social worker to whom a court has issueda subpoena has to reveal confidential information whenasked. In the situation described above, it is importantto look at related pieces of legislation such as the AdultGuardianship Act which may provide guidance anddirection in coming to a decision.

In addition, Sections 5.7 and 5.8 of the Standards ofPractice touch on the situation but also don’t directlyresolve the problem that the social worker faced.

5.7 Social workers make reasonable efforts to ensure that the information disclosed ispertinent and relevant to the professionalservice for which clients have been contracted.

5.8 Social workers inform clients early in theirrelationship of the limits of confidentiality.

What these Sections indicate is the importance of makingclients aware of limits to confidentiality. It is a good ideato have a handout on confidentiality that outlines clients’rights and the conditions under which the social workercould be required to disclose information. Registrantsshould also make a note on clients’ files that they havediscussed confidentiality issues.

Outcome In the case above, reviewing her options andseeking guidance from legislation and the Standards ofPractice, the social worker came to the conclusion thatshe was obliged to maintain the confidentiality of herprimary client, the wife. In this case there was no dutyor authority to report.



•When leaving your computer,make sure that others cannotview the client files that youkeep on it.

• Have a password that usesnumbers and letters to accessyour computer and don’t revealthe password to anyone elseunless your employer requiresit as a matter of policy. Anyonewith the password may accessyour files and you are then nolonger able to vouch for theiraccuracy or confidentiality.

• Don’t transfer files aboutclients to your personalcomputer.

•When using a laptop andworking offsite, be particularlyvigilant about confidentialinformation. Personallyidentifiable informationcontained in a laptop or cellphone can disappear just aseasily as the devise itself.

When sending confidential documentsas attachments by e-mail, it isimpor tant to assume that they couldbe read by anyone in transit. Treat e-mail

communication as you would aconversation – if you don’t want tobe overheard, go somewhere private.With e-mail and other electroniccommunications that means using a password (and even encryption ifit’s available), which is the electronicequivalent of a locked door.

• Each document sent as an e-mail attachment should bepassword-protected (if usingMicrosoft Word, go to Toolsand use Secure Options).

• If you contact clients via e-mail, delete the files assoon as possible from yourcomputer or place them in asecure area of your computer.But remember that e-mails area part of the record and youmay be required to keep them.

• It’s all too easy to compromiseconfidentiality when clientinformation is sent by fax.Information must be immediatelyretrieved by the receivingindividual and not left whereit can be seen by others.

Recognize that employers havethe right to monitor your computerusage at work and to access alldocuments and e-mails in yourcomputer. Employers also haveback-up systems that copy all theinformation on your computer.Knowing that, social workers who are employees should adopt a precautionary attitude; inparticular, they should avoidsending highly personal e-mails.

If you participate in a social net -working site such as Facebook,remember that your employer canview the information you post. Inaddition, anyone with access toyour site can print out all yourcorrespondence and messages.

Finally, all social workers need tobecome more privacy conscious. Be aware of both the federal andprovincial privacy laws as well as employers’ policies. Take allnecessary steps to protect personalinformation – whether it’s your owninformation, your employer’s, or,most importantly, your client’s.

How to Maintain Electronic Privacy (Continued from page 5.)

Helpful Information on Privacy

On occasion the College likes to provideinformation that may be helpful toregistrants as a source of information orreference guide.

The Office of the Information and PrivacyCommissioner is one such source andhas a very helpful website. The websiteaddress is www.oipcbc.org. The sectiontitled “Resources and Publications”provides the public with a wide range ofpublished papers and resources on thetopics of “Personal Privacy” and “Freedomof Information”. This site contains resources for both public bodies and organizations.It also provides many useful tips for developing a privacy policy, protection of privacy,and conducting a privacy audit.



Provincial Legislation Affecting Social Work Registrants in British ColumbiaThe following list is provided as an aid to facilitating registrants’ knowledge of legislation relevant to the professional practice ofsocial work. This is not an exhaustive list. Legislation is constantly added, removed and amended. The website, www.bclaws.ca,will provide you with access to all the current laws in British Columbia.

Provincial LegislationName Purpose

Adoption Act, RSBC 1996, c.5 The purpose of this Act is to provide for new and permanent family ties throughadoption, giving paramount consideration in every respect to the child’s best interests.

Adult Guardianship Act, RSBC 1996, c.6 Creates provisions to deal with abuse and neglect of adults and appointment ofsubstitute decision makers for incapable adults.

Age of Majority Act, RSBC 1996, c.7 Establishes the age of majority as 19 in the province.Child, Family and Community Creates a duty to promptly report where a person has reason to believe a childService Act, RSBC 1996, c.46 needs protection and lists relevant factors included in “best interests of a child”.Community Care and Assisted The Act defines the meaning of assisted living residence and outlines the Living Act, SBC 2002, c.75 licensing conditions.Community Living Authority Act, This Act establishes a board authority regulation to provide for the delivery of SBC2004, c.60 community support identified by the Minister.Employment and Assistance for To outline the conditions of eligibility for disability or hardship assistancePersons with Disabilities Act, SBC 2002, c.41 under the Act.Family Relations Act, RSBC 1996, c. 128 Covers child custody, guardianship, access, spousal and child support and division

of property.Freedom of Information and Protection Creates specific information and privacy rights regarding information collected orof Privacy Act, RSBC 1996, c.165 controlled by public bodies, such as school boards, municipalities, hospitals or

social service agencies.Health Care (Consent) and Care Facility Codifies requirement that consent be obtained from or on behalf of patient for(Admission)Act, RSBC 1996, c.181 medical treatment or admission to care facility; sets out hierarchy of consent.Health Professions Act, RSBC 1996, c.183 Umbrella legislation regulating health professions in BC.Infants Act, RSBC 1996, c.223 Concerns the protection of infants’ legal and financial interests. (Note: the legal

definition of an “infant” is a person under the age of 19). Provides requirements forobtaining consent for health care from minors (infants).

Mental Health Act, RSBC 1996, c.288 Provides guidelines for how people with mental health illnesses are treated.Patients Property Act, RSBC 1996, c.349 Provides for the declaration that a person is incapable and the appointment of a

committee to handle their financial, legal, personal, and medical affairs.Personal Information Protection Act, Legislates how private organizations in BC collect, use and disclose personal information.RSBC 2003, c.63Public Guardian & Trustee Act, The Act outlines the duties, powers and functions of the Public Guardian.RSBC1996, c.383Representation Agreement Act, Allows a person to appoint someone as their legal representative to handle RSBC1996, c.405 financial, legal, personal care and health care decisions if unable to make them

on their own.Representative for Children and Youth Act, Creates Representative for Children and Youth to perform a number of servicesSBC 2006, c. 29 including providing support to, assisting, informing and advising children and

their families respecting certain designated services (including mental healthservices), and providing information and advice to children and their familiesabout how to effectively access and how to become effective self-advocates withrespect to those services.

Social Workers Act, SBC 2008, c.31 The Act directs the BC College of Social Workers to serve and protect the public,superintend the practice of social work and to establish qualifications of registrants.

Workers Compensation Act, RSBC 1996, c.492 Provides for the creation of the Workers Compensation Board to compensateinjured workers and promote workplace safety.

Youth Justice Act, SBC 2003, c.85 Deals with proceedings and sentences available for youth (at least age 12) whocommit provincial statute offences, and services available to these youths.


sufficiently prepared to enter the profession andpractise safely. The focus of the CCSWR competencyproject will be to identify these minimum entry-to-practice competencies.

In addition to being able to describe what beginningsocial workers need to know and do, it is expected thatthe CCSWR project will assist in understanding whyjurisdictions have adopted different entry requirements.Is the term “social work” being used to describedifferent activities and scopes of practice in provinces?Or do very different educational programs actuallyachieve the same results? How are these practicecompetencies linked with educational competencies(learning outcomes)?

Once we have clearly articulated whatsocial workers must be able to do forentry-level practice (competencyprofile), the next step will be to identifyobjective and impartial measures toassess whether an individual actuallyhas these abilities. When usingacademic credentials as a measure forregistration (our only current standard indicator ofcompetence), regulators will be looking for evidence that links graduation from specific programs to thiscompetency profile. The issue of whether a nationalexam could be another impartial measure of the samecompetencies will also arise.

How is the CCSWR going to undertake such a majorproject? The good news is that we have alreadycompleted the first phase. Representatives of all tensocial work regulatory bodies met in Calgary last June

and developed a plan with the able assistance of afacilitator, Dr. David Cane.

Funded by Human Resources and Skills DevelopmentCanada (HRSDC), we spent two days exploring theconcepts of competencies, competence, learningoutcomes, performance indicators, and the relationshipbetween education and regulation. We agreed on a planthat all provinces will participate in the development of acompetency profile and its validation by a survey of allregistered social workers across Canada. Regulators needstandards that are fair and defensible so it is necessary toclearly articulate what we do.

The CCSWR has applied for more funding from HRSDCto conduct this project and complete the validation

survey. This is a major undertaking thatwill cost several hundred thousanddollars. The proposal is in the finalstages and we are optimistic that it will be approved. A committee of theCCSWR will oversee the project and hire a contractor.

The process will involve educationaland practice stakeholders as well as regulators andinclude a countrywide, computer-based survey of socialworkers. The CCSWR plans to conduct this survey laterthis year. A high level of participation is important so wecan gather comprehensive descriptions of socialworkers’ practices across Canada. Please respond whenthe survey is distributed. The resulting description ofsocial work practice in Canada today will be a keyelement in ensuring standards and procedures that aretransparent, objective, impartial and fair.

…in social work muchis gained from workexperience andcontinuing education.


There will be four Board positions elected for a two-yearterm commencing January 1, 2011 and endingDecember 31, 2012.

NominationsA nomination form and consent by the nomineemust be received in the office by Friday, September 3,2010 at 4 p.m. Nominees must be in good standing withthe College. Any registrant may nominate a maximum oftwo registrants. Nomination forms will be posted on theCollege website in June. Submit forms and letters to TheRegistrar, British Columbia College of Social Workers,#302 – 1765 West 8th Ave., Vancouver, BC V6J 5C6.

Election Ballots and information about all candidateswill be mailed to all Registered Social Workers at theend of September. The College will post details ofcandidates and the election process on its website,www.bccollegeofsocialworkers.ca, at the same time.Ballots must be received in the College office byMonday, October 18, 2010.

2010 BCCSW Board Election Timeline

JuneNomination forms posted on College website, at www.bccollegeofsocialworkers.ca

Friday, September 3All nomination forms and nominee consents to College office before 4.00 p.m.

End of SeptemberBallots mailed to all BCCSW registrants

Monday, October 18Ballots to college office on or before this date

Tuesday, November 2Counting of election ballots

Thursday, November 4Election results announced at Annual General Meeting

Notice of Election


From the RegistrarSusan Irwin, RSW

Registrar, British Columbia College of Social Workers

The need to develop a competency profile arises from the revised Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT),which now encompasses issues from the Trade,Investment, and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA)between BC and Alberta. Under AIT a social workerregistered in one province is entitled to registration in any other province based on his or her initialcredential for registration.

There are limits to such default entitlement based on other issues, such as complaints, disciplinarymatters, differing requirements for references, orcriminal record checks. Limits may also arise when asocial worker’s scope of practice differs significantlybetween one province and another.

Most importantly, the ten provinces do not have thesame academic standards for registration and this hasled to discussion and dissent among the regulators. It is critical that the social work profession acrossCanada resolves these differences; otherwise we will continue to be subject to provincial governments(who are the parties to these agreements) choosingexpedient solutions.

Regulators of all professions have relied on academiccredentials as a measure of the ability of individuals topractise their chosen profession. A key purpose ofuniversities is to impart the knowledge acquired throughstudy and research to those wanting to enter a professionand accreditation standards have been developed foracademic programs for most professions.

This practice gives the public confidence that graduationfrom a recognized program is a valid indicator of aperson’s knowledge and ability.

As a regulator, however, we have a different mandatethan that of educators – our purpose is to protect thepublic. It is well-known that there is more than one way to become knowledgeable and competent; noteveryone who graduates from an academic programhas the same competence and, in social work especially,much is gained from work experience and continuingeducation. Graduation from a university is a historical

event and is not a reliable indicator of one’s abilityyears later.

Furthermore, Canadian jurisdictions do not all agree on the academic background required to practise social work; most do require a minimum of a bachelor’sdegree but two provinces accept a two-year diploma as sufficient qualification for practising as a socialworker. In all cases, it should be apparent that, whilecompletion of a particular education program is usedas an assessment of qualification for practice, this doesnot guarantee a person’s ability to practise social worksafely, effectively and ethically.

Regulators need to have a clear picture of the practicethey are regulating: a description or profile of theminimal competencies required is essential foreffective regulation. This is particularly demanding in social work as the diversity of social work practice in different settings is great and the breadth and depthof knowledge required of individual social workersvaries immensely.

Our profession cannot be assessed by technical skillsalone but has strong underpinnings in both theory and values. Describing what we do has always been challenging.

There is some criticism of using a competency-basedapproach within social work as this is sometimesthought to be just a list of tasks that social workersperform. But the competency profile that all provinceshave agreed to develop will be more comprehensive. It will indicate not only what work is done but also howwell it is done – what level of proficiency is required.

A social worker’s competencies not only indicate theskills used in practice but the abilities necessary tobuild those skills. They contain the social worker’sunderlying knowledge required to use complex skills ofanalysis, assessment, identification of a range of inter -ven tions, clarification of purpose and goals, and evaluation.

While professionals develop proficiency throughout acareer, acquire expertise, and provide leadership, therole of regulation is to determine which individuals are

This year one challenging and significant project in which the BCCollege of Social Workers will be closely involved is thedevelopment of a national competency profile for the practice ofsocial work. This is an undertaking of the newly created CanadianCouncil of Social Work Regulation (CCSWR) of which BCCSW is

a founding member. All provincial regulatory bodies have now joined CCSWR and,working together, we have a great opportunity to address our common concerns.



2010 Renewals

We have now completed our renewalprocess for 2010 but not withoutsignificant challenges. I wish toapologize to everyone for the incon -venience and frustration resultingfrom our office situation. We havehad several different temp orarystaff who were not familiar with oursystem, a fax machine that continuedto malfunction, and databaseproblems that had to be adjusted.Mistakes were made in processingsome renewals and it took longerthan usual to balance the systemand print receipts. We have greatlyappreciated your patience duringthis time.Susan Irwin RSW, Registrar

Clinical Registration

Based on recent news from someRegistered Social Workers, we under -stand that the clinical designation isproving to be a valuable credential.Some employers and agencies arecreating positions and Requests-for-Qualifications advertising that requireor prefer the Registered ClinicalSocial Worker qualification.

The 2010 sitting of the clinical examin Vancouver is tentatively set forThursday, November 4, 2010. Theexam will go ahead if there are atleast ten candidates registered with the Association of Social Work Boards by October 1, 2010.Interested RSWs should submittheir application for clinicalregistration and all supportingdocuments as soon as possible.

Once again, we hope we can arrangethe exam before the BCCSW AnnualGeneral Meeting so it will be over in time for candidates to attend theAGM and symposium. The BCASWFall Conference starts the followingday so mark your calendars now toattend these College and Associationspecial events – November 4, 5 and 6.

Congratulations!

The following new Clinical Social Workers passed the ASWBClinical Exam on November 6, 2009 in Vancouver.

• Chapman, Tamara K.

• Cossom, Adrienne

• DeLeenheer, Irene

• Eleniak, Duanita G.

• Hamilton, Wendy M.

• Kelly, Laurie

• Nightbird, Marie

• Taylor, Gregory

• Van Volkingburgh, Marie

Changed Your Address? Don’t Forget To Let Us Know!

As a British Columbia College ofSocial Workers registrant, you arerequired to advise the College ofany change of practice or residentialaddress and other contactinformation. Please ensure that theCollege has your current contactinformation for the followingreasons:

•Under the Social Workers Act,the College must maintain anonline registry that makesinformation on the status ofyour registration available tothe public. If you permit, thisincludes your business nameand address.

•Notwithstanding the onlineregistry, you must let the Collegeknow your current place of socialwork practice so we can contactyou if needed. If you have severalemployment locations, includingself-employment, you mustprovide all of them to the College.

There are several easy options forupdating your registrant file. Simplyprovide the information in writingvia mail, fax or e-mail to the Collegeat [email protected] or by telephone at 604.737.4916.

CHARD Update

Verification letters have now beensent to everyone who submittedinformation about their practice toinclude in the Community Health andResource Directory. This provides anopportunity for you to confirm thatthe information is correct.

Later in the year, there will be moreinformation about how individualsocial workers may access their dataon the CHARD database so they canupdate information regarding theirworksites or practice offices andareas of practice.

The CHARD project will be expandedto some other regions this springand is expected to be provincewideby the summer. This will allowphysicians to access informationabout Registered Social Workers andother mental health profession als intheir regions in order to increaseaccess to services for their patients.

Upcoming 2010 BCCSW Meetings

Board The next Board meetings willbe held on Saturday, June 12 andSaturday, September 11.

AGM The 2010 Annual GeneralMeeting of the British ColumbiaCollege of Social Workers will be held on Thursday, November 4, 2010.

Registrants by Region

Fraser Valley 166 Interior 351 Lower Mainland/South Coast 1077 North 142 Out of Country 33 Out of Province 38 Vancouver Island/Gulf Islands 381

Total All Regions 2188


BCCSW at a glanceBCCSW at a glance



2010 Officers and Committees

From time-to-time there are opportunities for Registered Social Workers to becomeinvolved in the work of the College’s committees and task forces. We welcomeapplications from registrants interested in being appointed. Please send a letter withyour current résumé by e-mail marked c/o Registrar to [email protected] or mail anapplication to our office. Many statutory committees have a set number of membersand new applicants will be considered when vacancies arise. At times the Boardappoints task forces to address specific policy issues.ChairElizabeth (Liz) Jones, RSW


Finance CommitteeGary Mavis (Chair), Liz Jones, Susan Hogman

Registration CommitteeSusan Hogman (Chair), Glen Schmidt, Bruce Northey, Heather Stilwell, Susan Waldron

Registration Appeals CommitteeBruce Hallsor (Chair), Chi Ying Wong, Gary Mavis

Inquiry CommitteeKathryn McCannell (Chair), Susan Noakes, Geraldine Manson, Janice Murphy, Jim Campbell

Discipline CommitteeBruce Hallsor (Chair),Lorna Dittmar, Gary Mavis, Heather Stilwell, Chi Ying Wong

Quality Assurance CommitteeChi Ying Wong (Chair),Lorna Dittmar, Bruce Northey, Glen Schmidt, Susan Noakes

College Conversation is the twice-yearly newsletter publishedby the British Columbia College of Social Workers.

©British Columbia College of Social Workers, 2010. Otherpublications may republish parts of this newsletter without formalpermission but we ask that youacknowledge College Conversationand the British Columbia College of Social Workers when doing so.

British ColumbiaCollege of Social Workers (BCCSW)

302-1765 West 8th Ave. Vancouver, British ColumbiaCanada, V6J 5C6Tel: 604.737.4916 Fax: 604.737.6809E-mail: [email protected]

www.bccollegeofsocialworkers.ca

StaffSusan Irwin, [email protected]

Sheila Begg, RSWDirector, Registration [email protected]

Nicole AbramRegistration [email protected]

Helena Quo Vadis MexOffice [email protected]

ConsultantBonnie White, RSWPractice [email protected]

Board to December 31, 2010

ChairElizabeth (Liz) Jones, RSW


Public MembersLorna DittmarBruce HallsorGeraldine MansonHeather Stilwell

Social Work MembersGary Mavis, RSW (Treasurer)Kathryn McCannell, RCSWSusan Noakes, RSWBruce Northey, RSWGlen Schmidt, RCSWChi Ying Wong, RCSW

Writers Elizabeth (Liz) Jones, RSW;Susan Irwin, RSW; Bonnie White, RSW;Sheila Begg, RSW

Editor Mark BudgenDesign Ian Bateson,

Baseline Type & Graphics


Issue 4, Spring 2010

The Newsletter of the British Columbia College of Social Workers

Notice of Election2010 call for nominations for election to the Board of the British Columbia College of Social Workers.

The election of members to the Board of the BC College of SocialWorkers will be held on Tuesday,

November 2, 2010.See page 3

ContentsFrom the Registrar 2Confidentiality & Standards of Practice 4Maintaining Electronic Privacy 5The College’s 2010 Board 6 – 7Questions of Professional Practice 8Provincial Legislation Affecting Social Work Registrants 10BCCSW at a Glance 11The College's 2010 Committees 12

Pursuing the VisionElizabeth (Liz) Jones, RSW,

Chair, British Columbia College of Social Workers

I am writing this, my first column as Chair of the BC College of SocialWorkers, at the beginning of Social Work Week 2010. It providesme with an opportunity to reflect how far we’ve come – and howfar we’ve yet to go.

I want to express my appreciation for the trust you have placed in me and my seven social work Board colleagues by electing us. And I want to thankthe Board itself for electing me as Chair. As you know,the Board has eight elected social workers and fourappointed public members. Werepresent a wide range of opinions and ideas. We hope this will lead tobroad, perhaps dissenting, discourseon occasion and will strengthen ourwork together. As registrants, you are welcome to attend any of ourBoard meetings and, as well, toparticipate in certain committees.

It’s taken us over 40 years to reach this point - the first Social Workers Act in BC came into force in 1969. The proclamation of the Social Workers Actthat established our College was November 2008. The subsequent year-and-a-half has been spentdeveloping and implementing bylaws and policy.

I would like to acknowledge all the work done by manypeople through the years to get us to this point in our

history. Susan Irwin and SheilaBegg, Registrar and Director,Registrations respectively,deserve special mention as staff who have worked to create and operationalize the new Act.

We are a new Board with a newExecutive composed of myself, Vice-Chair Susan Hogman andTreasurer Gary Mavis. We have a lot to learn and a lot to do. To date, we have had two meetings. The firstwas an orientation to the legislation,bylaws, and policy framework.

At the second, we reviewed the strategic directions set by the previous Board and integrated our owndirections to create a plan for the short and long terms.

Part of our vision, as we already know, is mandatoryregistration of all social workers in the province. Wewill continue to move forward on the work of creatingthis vision while regulating the profession of socialwork and ensuring the safety of the public in relation to practice.

. . . our vision ismandatory registrationof all social workers inthe province.


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